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Just get a pair of Etymotic ER20s. They're like $12 and do the job very well; I used them in practice rooms at school, I use them when I tune, and I use them when I go to bars or when I'm in other loud environments. While you should be able to hear most things with them in your ears, you will look silly. And, I will go out on a limb and say that having to take out ear plugs every 20 minutes, in the grand scheme of things, isn't that much of an inconvenience. Sheesh.

Also, while the notion of replacing "rock hard hammers" is nice, it definitely isn't necessary to achieve a different sound. Yes, your technician will probably hate you for asking (I would), but you can have your hammers voiced down quite substantially, and it will be cheaper than replacing hammers.

I switched from the cheap earplugs and noise headset to the custom made ones with LINEAR damping. The problem with the cheaps is that the damping is not linear and that your playing sounds funny. That makes it hard to balance the hands properly and to voice chords properly. Also they often dampen too much, making it hard to impossible to hear yourself when playing soft.

Hey Joe - those $20 ones from etymotic are the way to go. Even the guitar centers have them now. Flat response, with a little stem that makes them easy to pull out and put in. Or, just leave 'em in, it's kindof like being at the beach with sunglasses and then walking inside, you can still see, it's just muted a bit...

Why worry about taking them on and off? I carry Etymotics everywhere I go, just a tiny carrying case with 2 plugs in a pocket. It's a habit. I put them on and take them off several times a day. Hardly even think about it anymore. Wouldn't tune, or drive, or listen to loud music without them.

The reason I was concerned about taking plugs in and out repeatedly is because I am used to the very basic foam ones: stick one in your ear, WAIT 30 seconds for it to expand, repeat with other ear. That gets old when done several times a day.

Does not seem to be a problem with these more exotic ones.

Also interested in the headphone style...will look into all of these ideas more fully.

It is a Mason CC -- you can imagine what sound level it is capable of. I know the hammers need replacement, as they were overlacquered 10 years ago. They were fine for a long time, but now they've reached a point of no return.

I don't know if I could tune without the Etymotics around my neck. I hear partials sooo much easier, and if I want to pound a little harder, I just stick them further in my ear. Playing softer, I can partially pull them out. They are wonderful, and I feel that they will increase my productive years. I also wear them when I teach beginning band. If they can make that more tolerable, they will certainly help you.

Chalk me up as another who uses the Etymotic ones. Not uncomfortable, and nice to have on-hand when going to the movies and rehearsing with sopranos and trumpet players in my small office. Tried another brand, Alpine Music Safe plugs as well, and thought they isolated a little too much and didn't fit my ears as well - gave them to my piano technician to try out (don't know if he uses them or not).